‘Tired and tattered’ after long strike

NEWS/ SCHOOLS — “Tired and tattered.”

That’s how teachers on the picket lines were describing themselves Tuesday morning after hearing that a tentative deal has been reached between the B.C. Teachers Federation and government negotiators.

And they aren’t celebrating until that deal is definitely done.

Mediator Vince Ready announced about 4 a.m. Tuesday that the bones of an agreement had been agreed upon, and the two sides would finalize wording today.

Sitting amongst a group of teachers on the picket line at David Thompson elementary, Terry Hanson, Sandy Blacquiere and Sandra Yeast said they weren’t taking anything for granted. A meeting has been called by the Kamloops-Thompson Teachers Association for Wednesday morning to bring teachers up to speed on the contract settlement.

Until then, and until it’s ratified by both sides, they’re holding back on any celebrations.

“It’s not over yet, because we’re worried about what it means,” said Hanson. “We don’t know if we’re going to ratify anything. What’s going to happen with class size and composition, and suddenly now it’s better? That makes me nervous.”

The teachers said the government has saved millions of dollars during the strike, while teachers have lost thousands each. “And now we’re supposed to be happy?”

“I want to be darn sure I have all the information before I vote on anything,” said Blacquiere.

They said if ratification goes through, it will be a scramble to get ready for the start of classes next week.

At Westsyde seniory secondary, a dozen pickets we’re huddled in their lawn chairs fending off the morning chill.

“I think it’s good news,” said English teacher Mike Chambers. “I’m curious to see what the terms of the deal are but I’m happy to be going back to work.”

He said he expects the agreement will be ratified. “I can’t imagine the deal not ben ratified. Can you imagine that? If we said no I don’t think that would look too good.”

Chambers said he’s made it through summer financially but was getting “a little nervous” heading toward October.

Sharon Richards said the marathon mediation sessions between the BCTF and B.C. Public School Employers Association raised hopes this week, so the news of a deal wasn’t a shock.

“We’ve been kind of hopeful because we knew they’ve been in mediation all week long, so the fact that Vince Ready was involved indicated something might be happening on both sides.

Picket lines are expected to remain in place until results of the ratification vote are known.